Radiation Safety Awareness and Practice in Sudanese Medical Facilities: A Descriptive

Despite the recent wide radiation applications in medicine, it can be hazardous if not properly handled. The aims of this study were to determine radiographers awareness and performance about radiation safety in Sudanese governmental and private medical facilities located at Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, to assess the work place safety requirements in Sudanese medical facilities from the radiographer point of view. A descriptive cross section study was performed in six governmental and private hospitals with a simple random sample of 50 radiographers working in them. Study tool was a questionnaire distributed to radiographers to collect data. Results showed that radiographers within Khartoum state showed a good knowledge of radiation hazards and protection. However, adherence to radiation protection practices among these radiographers was poor. There is inadequate radiation protection devices (ex. FBDs availability was only 12 %) and monitoring (ex. environmental monitoring availability was only 38 %) in both functional government and private hospitals. There are radiation accidents due to overexposure as injuries, abortion and sickness cases. The study recommended conducting continuous in service training for radiology staff at all levels about radiation protection and safety. Also disseminate the culture of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and all possible safety measures including the equipments for measuring radiation. Radiographers in Khartoum, Sudan should embrace current trends in radiation protection and make more concerted efforts to apply their knowledge in protecting themselves and patients from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.